Nothing could be easier than simply draining pool water into the garden or the sewage system. But be careful, because if it contains chlorine, pool owners are required by law to adhere to certain guidelines. Serious penalties await those who do not adhere to them. There are different methods of how chlorinated pools can be emptied in an environmentally friendly and legally compliant manner.
Nature, environment and health
Anyone who simply drains their chlorinated water from the pool, lets it run into a sewer or even into a natural body of water, can not only have a negative influence on plants, but also risks the death of aquatic and terrestrial animals and leaves the groundwater with the chlorine mix. The damage to nature can be immense, depending on the chlorine content. Especially if there is groundwater from wells or the like in the vicinity, the chlorine can be found there and lead to health problems. Even a low concentration of chlorine is sufficient to have a damaging effect on nature, the environment and health.
Legal situation
In principle, the introduction of chlorinated water into public sewage systems, the seepage and the "Disposal" in other waters is prohibited by law if the chlorine content exceeds a certain limit value exceeds. This averages 0.05 milligrams per liter of water. The limit values vary from region to region. Before disposing of the pool water, it is advisable to check with the responsible environmental authority and / or the local water supplier about the maximum permitted chlorine values
ask. Ignorance does not protect against punishment, so this information should definitely be obtained if draining the pool is not to become an expensive "pleasure".In addition, the pool water must meet the following conditions:
- Balanced pH value - depending on the region between 5.5. and 7.4 (maximum limit values also stipulated by law)
- Does not contain any algicides or biocides
NOTE: It should be noted that the limit values refer to the chlorine concentration in the pool water and not the amount of chlorine that was added to the water.
When to drain the pool water?
Pool owners will not be able to avoid draining their pool occasionally. There can be various reasons for this:
- Thorough cleaning of the floor and walls
- A water change is recommended once a year (ideal time at the start of the spring / summer season)
- Pool water has "tipped over" and can no longer be made crystal clear with chemicals
- Repair of pool liner, tiles or replacement of underwater lighting
TIP: An outdoor pool should never be left without water for too long. It ensures stability, especially for pool systems that can be set up, and protects those embedded in the ground Swimming pools from being impressed by masses of earth which, especially when it rains, create pressure on the pool can.
Dispose of pool water
There are different methods and
Reduce chlorine content
As we have already learned, pool water is about the level of chlorine. The simplest and most effective method is to reduce the chlorine level accordingly. Proceed as follows:
- Stop doses of chlorine one week before planning to drain
- Remove chlorine and chlorine residues in all dosing systems
- Choose sunny days for the project
- Cover the outdoor pool (ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes chlorine to break down more quickly - it breaks down)
- Measure the chlorine content after seven days using the chlorine test
- If this is still above the prescribed maximum level, continue to leave the pool without chlorine and with a cover
- Depending on the initial chlorine content, the chlorine content should have reached optimal values after ten days at the latest
- The pool water can be drained
Fill up with water
Is the pool only slightly full or is there still enough space for one? If there is water replenishment, this can reduce the concentration of chlorine in the pool be reduced. It is important to ensure that the maximum water level specified by the pool manufacturer is not exceeded. As with chlorine degradation, the chlorine content is also measured in this case with a test set before the water can be drained off.
swim
Swimming a lot in your own pool lowers the chlorine level faster than in pools that are standing still. This method is recommended if the chlorine content is only slightly above the maximum limit value and the longer waiting time of method 1 needs to be shortened. In this case, it is also a prerequisite to stop the chlorine administration immediately. Depending on how many people swim for how long, play and / or romp in the water, a reduction in chlorine may be possible the next day or the day after that.
Use filter system
If you have a filter system connected to the pool, you can remove chlorine from the water and consequently lower the chlorine concentration in the pool. However, this costs a few euros in energy costs because the pool pump must be operated. The following instructions show how to do it:
- Set the filter system to fine filtration (if available)
- Filter all of the pool water once
- Then clean the backwash (sand filter) or filter cartridge (serves to remove chlorine trapped in the filter)
- Repeat steps 1-3 several times
- Depending on the performance of the filter pump and the concentration of the choir, a sufficient drop in value can be between one and five days
- Measure the chlorine content
Balance the pH value
Simply lowering the chlorine concentration is not enough. The pH value must also have a certain value and must therefore always be taken into account when correcting the chlorine value. In order to achieve an ideal pH value that meets the legal requirements, the value must first be determined using a pH value quick test. Values that are too high and too low can be corrected with so-called pH-Minus and pH-Plus products. They are available in every well-stocked pool specialist.
Drain water
If the values are within the permitted range for draining the pool water, this can be started. It should be noted that the water rushes out with enormous force and can quickly form a channel in the ground, bend flowers and wash away the sward. It is ideal if a sewage or garden hose can be attached through which a small dose of water can escape. In any case, it is important to ensure that the water is evenly distributed in order to avoid flooding and to ensure that it sags evenly into the ground.
The chlorinated water is no longer harmful to the plants in the garden, so it can also be used for sprinkling lawns or watering flowers. Another drain variant offers a filter system with floor drain, multi-way valve and "waste" function:
- Switch off the filter pump
- Close all lines - the floor drain is turned to "open"
- Set the reusable valve to "Waste" (emptying)
- Connect the hose to the drainage / backwash opening
- Switch on the filter pump
- Let the water run off
- Caution: the pump must not run dry when the pool has been emptied - therefore always switch it off shortly before emptying it completely
- Residual water is led into the floor drain using a broom or something similar
TIP: If you do not have a filter system with a "waste function", you can alternatively place a submersible pump in the pool and use it to pump out the water.
